By Howard Koplowitz
A motorcyclist was killed at an Astoria intersection after he got into an accident early Saturday morning with a motorist who was driving with a suspended license, police said.
The motorcyclist, whose identity was not released by police because his family had not yet been notified of his death, collided with the driver of a 2001 Mitsubishi Gallant traveling southbound on 21st Street and trying to make a left-hand turn onto 30th Avenue at around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.
The motorcyclist, only identified as a 30-year-old white man, was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 a.m., police said.
The driver of the Gallant, 37-year-old Faruk Muminovic of 87 E. 2nd St. in Manhattan, was not injured, police said. He was charged with driving with a suspended license, police said.
“It woke me up. I just heard a loud noise,” said neighbor Steven Tabone, who picked up scattered debris from the accident later in the morning and dumped it into public garbage cans at the intersection.
Tabone said he regretted not getting out of his house after the accident to help the victim.
“I wish I would’ve come out,” he said. “I would’ve said a prayer. I pray to God that he goes straight to heaven. That poor guy — he must’ve suffered.”
A car matching the description police gave was parked on 21st Street with extensive damage to the lower right-hand side of the vehicle and the right bumper. The Mitsubishi had New Jersey plates and a Punisher sticker on the rear of the car.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
